Exploring Neil Young’s Unreleased Album: Oceanside Countryside

The Genesis of Oceanside Countryside

In the spring of 1977, shortly after Neil Young unveiled American Stars ‘n Bars, a compilation of both new recordings and tracks from as early as 1974, he began crafting new songs for his next project. Despite having several albums recorded and subsequently shelved over the previous two years, Young’s relentless creativity propelled him forward alongside a talented group of musicians, including longtime collaborators Ben Keith and Levon Helm.

The Journey to Release

Originally intended for release, Oceanside Countryside shares the fate of other unreleased works from Young’s prolific period, such as Homegrown and Hitchhiker. After over four decades of dormancy, this long-lost album has finally emerged as part of Neil Young Archives’ Analog Original Series.

A Familiar Soundtrack

The ten tracks on Oceanside Countryside will sound familiar to many fans, as most were later re-recorded for albums like Rust Never Sleeps, Hawks & Doves, and Comes a Time, the latter of which ultimately supplanted Oceanside Countryside in Young’s official discography. Notably, the album is now available in its original intended form for the first time since 1977, having also been featured in the 2024 release of Archives Vol. III (1976-1987) with differing versions and arrangements.

New Perspectives on Classic Tracks

While Oceanside Countryside may not be as groundbreaking as other rediscovered albums from Young’s catalog, it provides fresh insights into beloved tracks such as:

• “Sail Away” – later featured on Rust Never Sleeps
• “Field of Opportunity” – presented here without Nicolette Larson’s backing vocals added for Comes a Time
• “Dance Dance Dance” – which has a storied history, being initially recorded in 1969 with Crazy Horse for another unreleased project.

Musical Structure and Style

Oceanside Countryside adopts a format reminiscent of Young’s 1979 release, Rust Never Sleeps, with its distinct two-sided structure. The first side features Young solely on guitar, while the second showcases a full band, including instruments like pedal steel and fiddle, evoking the spirit of his classic album Harvest. It shares three tracks with Comes a Time, which marked Young’s return to country music after an extended hiatus, albeit with more production and overdubbing than this purer offering.

Conclusion

The release of Oceanside Countryside is a significant event for Neil Young enthusiasts, as it enriches the narrative of his artistic evolution during the 1970s. The album not only highlights Young’s songwriting prowess but also serves as a testament to the timeless quality of his music. As fans revisit these tracks, they gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances and variations that define Young’s extensive catalog.

FAQs

What is Oceanside Countryside?

Oceanside Countryside is an unreleased album by Neil Young that was recorded in 1977 and has recently been made available as part of the Neil Young Archives.

Why was the album shelved for so long?

The album was part of a series of recordings that Young made during a prolific period but ultimately chose to set aside in favor of other projects that were more commercially viable at the time.

What songs from Oceanside Countryside are familiar to fans?

Many songs from Oceanside Countryside were later re-recorded for albums like Rust Never Sleeps, Hawks & Doves, and Comes a Time, making them well-known to fans of Neil Young.

How does Oceanside Countryside compare to Comes a Time?

While Comes a Time features additional production and overdubbing, Oceanside Countryside offers a more stripped-down and authentic representation of Young’s music from that era.